Services for Juanita Rose Gerhardt, 68, Lawrence, will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 4 at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Ms. Gerhardt departed her earthly life at home on February 22, 2019.
She was born June 23, 1950, northwest of Wetmore, Kansas, on the farm where she was raised. She was the oldest of seven children born to Cletus and Mary Glissman.
She attended Catholic School through junior high. She graduated from Wetmore High School in 1968.
In 1973, Juanita became a mom. In the 1980s and 90s she was a single parent who worked two jobs. She was known among her children’s friends as “the cool mom.” Above all, she was a dedicated mother and a positive role model for her children.
Juanita held several administrative positions within government and the private industry. She was admired by her coworkers and known for her hearty, contagious laugh.
She retired in 2013. In her final years, she made Lawrence her home. She enjoyed puzzles, embroidery, reading, gardening, exercising, good food, drives in the country and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Helping others was important to Juanita, and she loved volunteering and donating to causes close to her heart.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Faith played a large role in Juanita’s life and she strived to live by Psalm 23.
Juanita is survived by many treasured friends and family members, including her daughter Tricia and son Clint. She will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, Juanita wishes donations to be made to Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, sent in care of the funeral home.
Inurnment will be at a later date in Netawaka Cemetery, where she will rest near her son Keith.
